Editor: The use of medicinal marijuana is a hot button topic for many, and there is no doubt the issue has the potential to impact on our community. I am not about to engage in a philosophical debate on the merits of medicinal marijuana, however, when I read your recent opinion editorial; 鈥淪afe Supply of Legal Pot,鈥� (The Times, Aug. 11), I felt it necessary to correct a few significant and misleading errors.

The editorial referred to last month鈥檚 raid of a medicinal marijuana dispensary by the 91原创 RCMP and stated the dispensary had been selling 鈥�...to people with valid licences to use marijuana.鈥� While I will not delve into specific evidence gathered during the course of our investigation, I can say that is not true. Nor do I believe the dispensary鈥檚 operator has ever suggested that is the case.

Rather, as indicated on the dispensary鈥檚 own website, customers only required a membership card issued by the dispensary itself in order to purchase marijuana. To qualify for membership a 鈥淧ractitioner鈥檚 Statement鈥� was required, however, this does not satisfy the requirements and safeguards set in place by Health Canada.

Based on what can be found on the dispensary鈥檚 website, it appears:

r There was no requirement that the customer be afflicted with one of the specific ailments for which medicinal marijuana is legally permitted;

r There was no requirement that the signing practitioner indicate that he/she has any specialization, or knowledge and experience relevant to the treatment of any medical condition for which medicinal marijuana may be permitted;

r There was no requirement that conventional treatment for the customer鈥檚 ailment had been tried, or even considered; and

r There was no requirement for the customer to be informed of and understand the risks associated with the use of marijuana.

The Health Canada application process ensures these issues have been addressed before an individual can be licenced to legally use medicinal marijuana.

Perhaps most concerning from a law enforcement and community safety perspective, there was no process in place for dispensary customers to have been screened for relevant criminal history or activity.

Your editorial also stated: 鈥淭here is no specified place where users can get a safe supply (of marijuana), other than at dispensaries like the one Caine set up.鈥� I don鈥檛 know what you would consider to be a 鈥渟afe supply,鈥� however, you are incorrect to suggest there is nowhere for legitimately licensed individuals to obtain marijuana.

Marijuana is made readily available to licensed users at low cost (relative to street prices) by Health Canada, with payment being made by cheque, money order or credit card. Alternatively, individuals can be licensed to grow their own marijuana, or to have others grow it for them.

While marijuana may have beneficial properties, it is a drug with extensive health risks associated to it. This drug is also subject to significant abuse and criminal activity.

Canada has come a long way in the last decade with regard to the use of medicinal marijuana, and as with all controlled drugs, legislated safeguards are in place to minimize potential negative consequences. I don鈥檛 know that it is appropriate for individuals or 鈥渃ompassion clubs鈥� to take it upon themselves to determine whom they think, and under what circumstances they believe customers should qualify to buy drugs from them.

Supt. Derek Cooke,

Officer in Charge,

91原创 RCMP